Phil Jackson leaning toward retirement

Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson gestures from the bench during the second half of Game 7 of the NBA basketball finals against the Boston Celtics Thursday, June 17, 2010, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
— AP

Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson gestures from the bench during the second half of Game 7 of the NBA basketball finals against the Boston Celtics Thursday, June 17, 2010, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
/ AP

Jackson claims he mostly wants to get away from the grind of NBA travel, particularly after three straight trips to the finals. The renaissance man and author of "Sacred Hoops: Spiritual Lessons of a Hardwood Warrior" has many interests beyond basketball, saying he might write another book or go on a lecture tour.

Yet even while listing all the reasons he should walk away, Jackson betrayed reluctance. He's intrigued about going for a third consecutive championship for the fourth time in his career.

"My intention was that if we won the second time, to go for a threepeat would be natural," Jackson said. "It would be tough not to go for another championship in that threepeat realm, which is ridiculous. That's one of those things that's sitting out there that's still a fly in the ointment."

If the Lakers lose Jackson, his job likely would be among the most coveted in sports. Bryant, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom and Ron Artest are locked into long-term contracts with the Lakers, who might have their pick from a list of candidates that could include Lakers assistant coach Brian Shaw, former Lakers guard Byron Scott and veteran coach Jeff Van Gundy.

Playoff star Derek Fisher will be a free agent next week, but Kupchak said Wednesday the Lakers are eager to re-sign the veteran point guard.

"We've had a special group these last three years," said Fisher, who will listen to offers from other teams, but definitely hopes to stay in Los Angeles. "Sometimes it's hard to maintain the fun aspects of what you try to do, (but) we had an interesting team, and we were able to enjoy the process while doing what it takes to become champions."

Yet Bryant said the Lakers derive much of their character and attitude from Jackson, whose triangle offense and steady leadership have been hallmarks of the Lakers' five titles and seven NBA finals appearances over the past 11 years.

After a playing career with the New York Knicks and a coaching stint in the CBA, Jackson won his first NBA title in his second season running Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls, who eventually won three straight titles from 1991-93 and again from 1996-98.

After a year off, he immediately led the underachieving Lakers to three straight championships from 2000-02, meshing the egos and talents of Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal to re-establish the Lakers as an NBA power. Los Angeles also made the NBA finals in 2004, but lost to Detroit. Jackson then took another year off before returning to the Lakers' bench.

The Lakers have reached the last three NBA finals, losing to Boston in 2008 before routing the Orlando Magic last year for their 15th title. Jackson also became the winningest coach in Lakers history earlier this season, surpassing Pat Riley with his 534th victory in early February.

"The older you get, the more you understand his methods and philosophies to the point now where we're so much on the same page," said Bryant, who soon will head to Africa for the World Cup. "I think that has a lot to do with me growing as a player."

Jackson's career record is 1,098-460, winning at least 55 games in 15 of his 19 seasons.